Naturalisation in Extra-Tropical Countries. 339 



demand for the plant. It is adapted for staying bush-fires, when 

 planted in hedgerows. Merely torn into shreds, the leaves serve at 

 once in gardens and vineyards as cordage, and for this purpose, 

 irrespective of its showy aspect, the Phormiuni has been distributed 

 from the Botanic Garden of Melbourne during many years by the 

 writer. From the divided roots any plantation can gradually be 

 increased, or this can be done more extensively still by sowing the 

 seeds. In all likelihood the plant would thrive and become natura- 

 lized in Kerguelen's Land, the Falkland-Islands, the Faroe- and 

 Shetland-Islands and many continental places of both hemispheres 

 far into cold latitudes. Among varieties three are better character- 

 ized than the rest : the Tehore-, the Swamp- and the Hill-variety. 

 The first and the last mentioned produce a fibre fine and soft, yet 

 strong, and the plant attains a height of only about 5 feet, whereas 

 the Swamp-variety grows to double that height, producing a larger 

 yield of a coarser fibre, which is chiefly used for rope- or paper- 

 making. One of the most dwarf varieties is P. Colensoi ( J. Hooker), 

 a lax variety is P. Hookeri (Gunn). As might be expected, the 

 richer the soil, the more vigorous the growth of the plant. Flood- 

 ing now and then with fresh or brackish water is beneficial, but 

 the plant will not live, if this be permanent. In swampy ground 

 trenches should be dug, to divert the surplus of humidity. Fibre 

 free from gum-resin, properly dressed, withstands moisture as well 

 as the best Manilla-rope. Carefully prepared, the fibre can be spun 

 into various textile durable fabrics, either by itself or mixed with 

 cotton, wool or flax. Elegant articles are woven from it by the 

 Maories. In October 1872 the sale of Phormium-fibre in London 

 was 11,500 bales, ranging in price from 19 to 31. In 1888 the 

 value of Phormium-fibre exported from New Zealand amounted, to 

 90,000. The tow can be converted into paper, distinguished for 

 its strength and whiteness. The London price of Phormium-fibre 

 for this purpose is from 10 to 20 per ton. Messrs. Christy, 

 Cross and Bevan employ a freezing process in separating all kinds 

 of fibres from stalks or foliage, and this method proved particularly 

 advantageous in treating Phormium. A strong decoction of the 

 root and leaf -bases used in surgery for dressing wounds with a view 

 of producing ready and healthy granulation [F. A. Monkton]. For 

 further details on the utilisation of this plant, the elaborate report 

 of the New Zealand Commission for Phormium should be consulted, 

 also Sir James Hector's special publication. 



Photinia eriobotrya, .T. Hooker.* (P. Japonica, Franchet and Savatier; 

 Eriobotrya Japonica, Lindley.) 



The " Loquat." China and Japan. This beautiful evergreen 

 shrub or small tree, remarkable for its refreshing fruit, is easily 

 raised from seed ; or superior varieties can, according to G. W. 

 Johnson, be grafted not only on its own stock, but also on the White- 

 thorn, or better still on the Quince. It is also a grand bush for 

 scenic ornamental effects, and lifts well. Growth of celerity, but 



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